Australian squad revealed for cricket final against South Africa; Konstas, Kuhnemann get nods

Sam Konstas has been included in Australia’s squad for next month’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s, as selectors named a settled group that includes second spinner Matt Kuhnemann and South Australian quick Brendan Doggett as a travelling reserve.

Cricket Australia on Tuesday confirmed the touring party, with a core group of 16 players who will face South Africa and then travel to the West Indies for a three-Test series in June and July.

Pat Cummins returns to captain the side after sitting out the Sri Lanka tour due to the birth of his second child. Fellow Test regulars Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green also return from injury.

Green and fellow all-rounder Beau Webster could be in a head-to-head battle for a spot in the XI, depending on conditions at Lord’s and the preferred team balance.

Hazlewood has been managing a minor shoulder issue, but team officials believe he is in no doubt for Australia’s tilt at a second straight World Test Championship title. The match against South Africa begins on June 11.

Konstas was named to tour Sri Lanka earlier this year but returned to Australia after being overlooked for both Tests in Galle. The 19-year-old will embark on his first tour of England, hoping to resume his spot at the top of the order next to Usman Khawaja.

As revealed by this masthead, selectors are seriously considering opening with Marnus Labuschagne for the WTC final in a one-off fixture.

South Australian fast bowler Doggett, who finished fifth on the Sheffield Shield wicket-takers list with 33 wickets at 24.15, joins the squad as cover for Australia’s frontline pace attack of Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.